Note: all DPAC meetings are open to parents and guardians of VSB students. Though only DPAC executives can vote at Executive meetings, and only official DPAC representatives (either PAC chair/co-chair or DPAC representative - PACs to self determine) can vote at General meetings, all parents and guardians of VSB students can participate.

Friday, Nov 10, 6pm - Free theatre performance of “Saving Mother” at UBC Longhouse. DPAC had anticipated hosting this performance earlier this year but was unable to due to unforeseen circumstances. It was written by our Treasurer, Crystal Smith.

Thursday, Nov 23, 7pm – DPAC General Meeting, Room 180, VSB Board Office. We are working out the details of the workshop, but it will include Communicating Student Learning. We will send more details when they’re available. Contact Shaun Kalley by Nov 21 if you require childcare (Vicechair@vancouverdpac.org)

PAC to PAC notices:

Does your Elementary school have a scholarship or bursary for alumni when they graduate from high school? General Gordon Elementary is looking into starting one and would appreciate learning about your eligibility and guidelines. Please contact parent-volunteer sheilakirkby@gmail.com. Thanks.

Xpey’ Elementary is the new name of Sir William MacdonaldElementary, VSB’s District Aboriginal Focus School.

Seismic announcements:

On October 11th, the government announced that Sir Matthew Begbie Elementaryand Bayview Community Elementary (both on year 1 of VSB’s 2017 Capital Plan) will be replaced with new builds by September 2021. CBC article. This leaves 56 high seismic risk schools on the Capital Plan without guaranteed funding.

Updates at the Ministry of Education:

On October 24th, the Ministry announced that the new Grade 11-12 curriculum implementation is being delayed a year. This means next year, Grade 10 will start using the new curriculum and the following year Grade 11 and 12 will start. More information on the transition to 2018 Graduation Program on the Ministry website.

The Ministry is reviewing playground funding (CBC article, Oct 25). As this was part of the NDP platform, we hope to see something in the February 2018 budget. BCCPAC will be asking for DPACs to provide a list of schools in their district that need immediate playground replacement, replacement in 5 years, in 10+ years, and playgrounds that have just been replaced.